Dark Sites

While the light pollution map is great for guiding you to a general area for stargazing, sometimes it’s better to have a specific site in mind. If others have successfully observed the heavens from a site, then you know you’re not wasting your time by driving there. That’s what this section is for.

The ideal dark sky observing site should:

Be safe and publicly accessible, not on private property

Have a clear view of the sky with few obstructions such as trees, buildings, etc.

Not have any bright, unshielded lights in the immediate area

Allow camping. Although campgrounds often have too many trees to observe from directly.

Each of the dark sites listed has a detailed description, a link to the website, and photos. Links to the light pollution map, driving directions, weather forecasts, and satellite predictions are also included, tied to the GPS coordinates.

Add A New Dark Site

Do you have a favorite dark site that you’ve used to observe the stars?